The Effect of Telehealth Nursing on Growth and Development Outcomes in Children

Abstract

Telehealth nursing has emerged as a transformative approach in pediatric care, particularly in resource-limited settings. In India, where geographical barriers and healthcare accessibility remain significant challenges, telehealth interventions offer promising solutions for monitoring child growth and development. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of telehealth nursing interventions on growth parameters and developmental milestones in children aged 0-5 years, comparing outcomes with traditional in-person care. A quasi-experimental design was employed with 240 children divided into telehealth (n=120) and control groups (n=120) across urban and rural Indian settings over 12 months. Growth measurements including weight-for-age, height-for-age, and developmental assessments using standardized tools were conducted. Telehealth nursing interventions significantly improve growth and developmental outcomes in children compared to conventional care. Results indicated significant improvements in growth parameters (p<0.05) and developmental milestone achievement in the telehealth group. Enhanced parental engagement and timely interventions contributed to positive outcomes. Telehealth nursing demonstrates effectiveness in promoting optimal child growth and development, offering a viable model for pediatric healthcare delivery in India.